Third Sector Hebrides and Volunteer Centre Western Isles rewarded for Committing to Excellence

Third Sector Hebrides and Volunteer Centre Western Isles are both celebrating their recent achievements of “Committed to Excellence” status, having successfully participated in the Big Lottery funded Supporting Voluntary Action (SVA) Quality Matters project.

This internationally recognised award, presented by Quality Scotland, marks both organisations commitment to continuous improvement, which they demonstrated by carrying out an in-depth assessment of every aspect of their organisation and identifying and implementing key areas for improvement.

Alasdair Nicholson, Chief Executive of TSH said “Quality improvement is not the efforts of one person at any moment but the combined efforts of every individual and the whole team across our various community companies on a continuing basis. It is part of our approach which enables all our staff and volunteers to contribute to growing the contribution the Third Sector makes in the Islands as evidenced by our social enterprise and employability work which has created learning, volunteering and employment opportunities which would not otherwise exist”

Terri Davies, Manager of the Volunteer Centre Western Isles echoed the sentiments of Alasdair Nicholson. “This award recognises the commitment of all our staff and board members to the continuing development of the Volunteer Centre and we were thrilled to hear the Volunteer Centre Western Isles is the first independent Volunteer Centre in Scotland to achieve the Committed to Excellence Award.”

Roy, Development Worker for the Volunteer Centre Western Isles added “It was interesting applying the framework to our work supporting volunteering, it is important to us that the volunteers in our communities receive the best kind of support possible, the EFQM Framework helps us to do that.”

Nicola Jarvie, a board member involved with TSH EFQM process said “Third Sector Hebrides was the first local charity in the Islands to be involved in EFQM when our Chief Executive became an accredited EFQM Assessor and was also involved in a Scottish Advisory group. We are pleased that we have continued to build on that tradition by gaining EFQM status as an organisation which enables partners and funders to have confidence in our staff, our charity and associated enterprises which we are continuing to grow even in these challenging economic times.”

Paul White, Director of Networks at SCVO and Chair of the SVA Management Group commented: “This award represents a clear commitment from Third Sector Hebrides and The Volunteer centre Western Isles to strive for excellence and improve the services they provide to front-line voluntary organisations. The commitment made by the staff and management boards of the two organisations should not be underestimated and they should be justly proud of what they have achieved.”